Point Reyes: Elephant Seal Overlook

San Francisco: Marin Headlands - Mt Tamalpais - Point Reyes

Elephant seals returned to Point Reyes in the early 1970s after a 150 year absence. The first breeding pair was discovered near Chimney Rock in 1981; the colony has grown 16% annually since. Today the Point Reyes elephant seal population is 1,500 - 2,000, and expanding further into Drakes Bay. An estimated 650 pups were born in the 2011-2012 birthing season.